Glossary
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TermDefinition
- General Nautical Terminology Baby StayAn inner forestay
- General Nautical Terminology Back
Back (backing) describes the wind’s change in direction when it shifts counterclockwise (anti-clockwise). For example, if the wind shifts from...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Back
To back a sail means to adjust it so that the wind blows on the opposite side from normal, causing the sail to push the boat in the opposite...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Back StayThe backstay runs from the top of the mast to the stern of the vessel. The backstay supports the mast and in some cases can be adjusted to change... More Details
- General Nautical Terminology BailTo remove water from the bilges or cockpit
- General Nautical Terminology BailerA utensil used to bail water out of a boat
- General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Bailey
Sea area of the Met Office Shipping Forecast. Lies off northern Scotland near Bill Bailey’s Bank and the Orkney Islands.
Named for Bill Bailey’s...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Ball
A spherical shape or object used as a day signal to indicate a vessel's status or condition, such as being anchored or aground.
In maritime...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology BallastAdditional weight placed low in the hull to improve stability
- General Nautical Terminology BarA shallow area (shoal) close by a river mouth or harbour entrance or A measure of barometric pressure usually noted as 1000 millibars
- General Nautical Terminology Barber Hauler
A line or tackle system used to adjust the angle of a jib or genoa sheet to optimise sail shape and performance, particularly when sailing off...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Bare PolesNo sails are set and boat is driven by the force of the wind on the spars and rigging
- Courses, RYA Basic Sea Survival CertificateThe Basic Sea Survival Certificate course teaches life-saving techniques for emergencies at sea. Participants learn how to use life rafts, don... More Details
- General Nautical Terminology Bathing Platform
A bathing platform is a purpose-built area that sits at water level when the vessel is stopped. It allows easy access to and from the water. It...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Batten
A thin, flat strip of wood, plastic, or fibreglass inserted into a sail to help maintain its shape and improve performance
A batten is an...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Batten Pocket
A reinforced sleeve sewn into a sail to hold a batten, which helps maintain the sail's shape.
A batten pocket is an essential feature of many...
More Details - Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Bravo (B)

The International Maritime Signal Flag Bravo.
Meaning
I am taking in or discharging or carrying dangerous goods.
- General Nautical Terminology BeachTo run a vessel ashore deliberately
- General Nautical Terminology Beacon
A fixed or floating signal, often a light or radio transmitter, used to guide mariners or mark hazards in navigable waters.
A beacon is an...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Beam
The widest part of a vessel, measured at its broadest point across the hull.The term beam is a fundamental concept in nautical terminology,...
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